Daily Tribune
(FILES) Jeepneys on Padre Burgos Boulevard in Manila on the third day of the Piston-led Transport strike. 22 November 2023.
KING RODRIGUEZ
Jeepney drivers are growing increasingly concerned about their shrinking take-home pay due to the relentless rise in oil prices.
Last Tuesday, several oil companies raised the prices of diesel, kerosene and gasoline by P2.70, P2.50 and P1.65 per liter, respectively. This marked the third consecutive price hike since the start of 2025.
Bladdy Catalma, a jeepney driver on the Manila Central University (MCU) — Fisher Mall route, expressed his frustration, saying they are left with no choice but to hike fares as the oil price hikes continue.
“Maybe I’ll cut back, reduce spending on food, but honestly, I don’t really know anymore with the high prices, especially with the cost of fuel,” Catalma said, his voice tinged with worry.
Adding to his challenges, Catalma lamented, was the unpredictable number of passengers throughout the day.
“Sometimes there are only three passengers on our one-way route, so it also affects our income,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Fernando Adie, a driver the MCU-Sangandaan route, shared a similar story. He typically spends P1,000 on gas each day, but with the significant price increase, he now faces the prospect of an additional P200 to P300 in daily fuel costs.
At one gasoline station in Caloocan City, the price of diesel has hit P60 per liter.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced that it is reviewing petitions from various transport groups to raise the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys to P15.
“LTFRB acknowledges the petition of various transport groups for a P15 minimum fare for public utility jeepneys. While we remain committed to ensuring that their livelihood is sustainable, we must also carefully balance this with the welfare of the commuters who are equally affected by the current economic conditions,” said LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
The agency assured the public they are thoroughly reviewing the petitions, considering fuel price trends and inflation rates, and taking into account the tough situation drivers and commuters are facing.
